Building Insurance: What It Covers and How to Choose the Right Policy

When you buy a home, the biggest worry is what will happen if something goes wrong. That’s where building insurance steps in. It’s not just a nice‑to‑have; it protects the structure of your house – walls, roof, windows, and even built‑in fittings like garage doors.

First things first: building insurance pays for the cost to repair or rebuild after a covered event. Fires, storms, floods (if you add the rider), vandalism, and accidental damage are typical triggers. Anything that destroys the physical fabric of your home falls under this umbrella.

What Does Building Insurance Cover?

Most standard policies include:

• Structural damage to walls, floors, and roof.
• Permanent fixtures such as kitchens, bathrooms, and fitted wardrobes.
• External works like driveways, fences, and garden walls.
• Built‑in features – think double‑glazed doors, security gates, and garage doors.

Things you’ll usually need to add as extra cover are:

• Flood damage (especially in low‑lying areas).
• Accidental damage from things like dropped tools.
• Legal expenses if a neighbour’s claim goes to court.

Read your policy carefully – many people assume their home insurance also covers contents, but that’s a separate policy.

How to Choose the Right Policy

Start by getting a professional valuation of your home’s rebuild cost. This number is often higher than the market price because it reflects current construction rates, not what you could sell it for.

Next, compare quotes from at least three insurers. Look beyond price: check the excess amount, the claims process, and any “no‑claims” discounts. A cheaper premium might mean a higher excess, which could bite you later.Ask yourself these quick questions:

• Do I live in a high‑risk flood zone? If yes, add flood cover.
• Is my garage door a high‑value, motorised unit? Make sure it’s listed.
• Do I rent out part of my property? You might need landlord cover.

Finally, keep all receipts for repairs and upgrades. Good documentation speeds up claims and can boost your insurer’s confidence in you.

In a nutshell, building insurance is the safety net that lets you sleep at night. Knowing exactly what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to match a policy to your home’s needs saves you stress and money when disaster strikes.

Ready to review your coverage? Pull out your latest policy, check the rebuild value, and call a few insurers for fresh quotes. It only takes an hour, but the peace of mind lasts a lifetime.